The world through my window

Be quiet oh my soul

For thou art with me

Though the moon turn blood red

You fill me with peace

~Miss Dottie

Dear Readers,

I wrote this short little poem in September when we had the second blood moon. I think about it a lot and have been meditating on the words I had written.

Last January, our sweet Sadie crossed Rainbow Bridge. She was in her late senior years, quite sick physically, and had become very aggressive towards people and our other pups. She had been under house quarantine for ten days and we had time to prepare ourselves (if anyone ever really does prepare themselves) for her passing. We grieved yet were so filled with many years of memory-making moments with her. She will live on forever as our Scottie who loved everything pink!!

When Zeke died a week ago, we had no advance warning. He was a healthy two year old Maltese who, we thought, would be with our family another 12-15 years. We adored him and were so careful to keep him safe knowing that he was a digger who enjoyed a trip next door and on down a couple houses to visit his friends, the Chihuahuas. As he had matured, he would sit down when I called his name and wait for me to come pick him up. I'd tickle his belly and tell him what a good boy he was to not run from mama.

I have learned that it is easier to control one dog than three when they are excited and feeding off each other. People are like that too. Give me five minutes with an angry person and, most times, I can calm them down. If there is a mob inciting to riot, bad things happen no matter what is said or done.

No one is ever prepared for an accident that involves death. The tragedy itself not only destroys a life but the aftermath can leave shrapnel in the hearts of everyone left behind.  In a matter of moments, the world through my window became dark and cloudy and I became lost in a flurry of grief. 

So many people have shared their stories with me of their own pets being hit by vehicles, freak accidents, and accidental poisonings. I could understand their pain and they understood mine. The "scene" manages to linger in minds and hearts ... forever. I did have one message that chewed me out for not having my dogs on a leash. I certainly would have if I could have caught them. Accidents happen not on purpose but they are tragic just the same. 

Never criticize a man until you've walked a mile in his moccasins.

~American Indian Proverb

This past week has been one of looking at a different world through my new window. For several days, I woke up and counted noses ~ one, two, three, four ... where's five?? I would put down five dishes of food, and kept thinking Zeke was going to round the corner of the kitchen ready to pounce on his kibble. When I took my furry kids outside, I thought about him chasing after his brothers and looking for the pesky squirrels up in the trees. Everything was just .... off. This morning, Michael did the same thing ~ there were five bowls of kibble on the kitchen counter. He said he'd been thinking about Zeke a lot. 

My focus this past week has needed to be on Kennedy and Toby ~ to aid in any way I could in their healing process. Michael and I took shifts making sure that they were monitored for bloody stools/pee, eye focus, ability to bark, bloating, throwing up, high temperatures, refusal to eat/drink, and wounds that wouldn't heal ~ we had Dr Young on speed dial. It truly is a miracle that they are alive and we celebrate that by fixing the fence and giving them all the attention they want and need.

Today, Toby jumped up on the sofa and down again without wincing in pain. He also led the pack out the back door on a dead run after breakfast. Michael and I stood in the doorway laughing, "That's our dogren!" They still react to loud noises and are needy but they are alive and progressively moving towards a complete recovery.

The world through my window is a little skewed right now and I have the Windex out to make sure the glass is clean and clear. I don't want my view to be distorted with anger and blame. I will not give Satan that toe hold in my life. The healthiest thing for us to do is to learn what could have been done to prevent this tragedy, fix that, and go on down the road.

The world through my window is becoming clearer as the days go by. I am learning so much from my furry kids ~ they, too, are adjusting to a new pack order.

Believe it or not, little 5 1/2 pound Harmony has taken over as leader of the pack. Kennedy is second in the pecking order, followed by Toby and Ruffy. Maybe that order will change but, for now, it's been interesting (and fun) to watch them grieve and rally to establish a new hierarchy.

No matter how many plans you make or

how much in control you are, life is always winging it.

~Carroll Bryant

Well, Carroll, I believe that I was given a precious gift ~ a gift of a little guy who appeared without me asking. Once he arrived, I knew that he would be a very important part of my journey. No holds barred, we shared the adventure of life.  And, that is how it should be.

Miss Dottie

Dear God, The afternoon sun is giving way to the darkness of the night. I praise you and thank you for bringing Zeke into my life. I wouldn't trade my time with him for anything. I'm not going to second guess You about what happened because You are sovereign. I thank you for the reminder that we are to cherish the time we are given with friends, family, neighbors, and, yes, our pets. I pray specifically for baby Liam today as he recovers from his heart surgery. It truly is amazing at how far he has come in such a short time. What an inspiration he is to everyone around him far and wide. I pray also for Robin ~ for her healing and peace. Father God, cancer is a horrible illness and I pray for the researchers ~ that they would find a cure for this disease. Amen! I pray for those who aren't looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas because they will be alone at a time when families gather. Open our hearts and homes! Jesus, you are my king, my comforter ~ it is on You that I am keeping my eyes in this time of readjustment. Lord, bless my Readers ... bless their socks off (well, maybe not their socks off because it's cold outside!) and give them a new identity in You! Amen, it is so!!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,

for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

~Isaiah 41:10

Life with Zeke

November 16, 2014
Sunday

Dear God,

Our new baby Zeke
May 2013

I went to your house today to praise you and pray. My body was present; but, I must confess, that I was struggling to hold back tears. I felt rather ashamed when Robin came to the front of the church and the elders laid hands upon her to heal her of the wicked cancer eating away at her body. My sorrows seemed so small in comparison. After Pastor Gerald's sermon, I knew that I needed to forgive the man who hit my three little furry boys and that I needed to move on in my grief process. Easy? No. Possible? Yes. My grief has been so deep that just writing about Zeke would throw me into spasms of tears. Tonight, I am ready to lay my baby to rest. The groaning of grief that came from the bowels of my body are now coming softly from my heart.

Please take my hand and join me as I take a walk down memory lane:

Little Zeke came to us through Recycled Pomeranians last May. We really hadn't planned on adopting him but his foster mom, Laura, was going to Waco to deliver a dog who and we were to babysit. Looking back, the first thing the little rascal did was squeeze through the tiny opening in the gate and head for the horse pasture a block from our house. The horses were after him and he was zooming through the pasture as fast as his little legs would go. We FINALLY cornered him and from then on, he won our hearts each and every day. When Laura returned, we told her we were adopting Zeke! That was that...

Zeke was a warrior ... his little body was riddled with a hepatitis virus in June 2013. We were sure he was a gonner but, nope, he rallied and began spreading his wings of love as our traveling companion. We took him to the opening of an art show, to the park, antique shopping, museums, carriage rides ~ he loved going to Lowe's, Home Depot, specialty shops, and Kohl's. He went everywhere the law would allow (and sometimes even places where dogs weren't allowed!). He would hide under the clothes in my basket at Belk not making a sound should a clerk walk by. Wherever he went, people oohed and aahed over his quiet demeanor and his milk chocolate eyes. Zeke was magical!!

Zeke - A patron of the arts!

Zeke ~ A Master Gardener!

Zeke ~ An Antique Specialist!

Zeke ~ An athlete!
Can jump tall tables to get his treats!

Zeke -Expert Shopper!

Zeke ~ Museum visitor!

Zeke - A stylish pup!

Brothers ~ Scamps before haircuts & baths!

Our little Zeke loved romping with his brothers Kennedy and Toby ... especially Toby. They would roll, growl, play bite, and taunt each other to the point of exhaustion. Toby was for wrestling with and Kennedy, well, Kennedy was the instigator of the digging out under the fence. Whenever, Kennedy managed to escape, Zeke was in close pursuit. We never left them outside unattended, so as soon as we saw them head for the fence, we were in a race to see if we could prevent the escape. We filled holes, put in stones to block their favorite places, and were continually monitoring where they were getting out. If you've ever had a dog less than 6 pounds who was a digger, you know what I'm talking about.

Mornings were Zeke's time to shine. I opened my eyes in the morning to his exuberant little antics. He was ALWAYS hungry and knew when the bowls of kibble were to be put down. He had his place beside Kennedy and danced on his back legs as I set down his bowl. He pecked at his food like a chicken pounding with each bite. He was the first to finish eating and would climb up on the dishwasher door to hover over his siblings should they drop a kibble. I would set the timer to let their food digest before heading out to the backyard or taking them for a walk. Zeke was either looking up for squirrels or had his head down sniffing. He hated cold weather, rain, snow, and mud ... no rolling in muck and mire for that prissy little guy! He seemed to know when it was sweater weather and would help me put on his clothes... I would laugh and he would prance through his day.

I'm not going to talk about Zeke's passing except to say that I was so blessed to be his pawrent for the time he was with me. I think we had this mutual admiration society thing going and every day was a beautiful adventure. On days when I was lonely, sad, or not feeling up to par, there was Zeke ready to dry a tear or do something totally out of the ordinary to get my attention.

Zeke's last day was a great one ... he did all the things that made him happy. I am grateful he didn't suffer and that I was with him as he crossed Rainbow Bridge. He will forever hold this special place in my heart and be that one in a lifetime magical Maltese dynamo that joined me on my journey through life.

Today, You convicted me, Lord and I heard you. As you wrote in Ecclesiastes 3, there is a time to be born and a time to die ... a time to weep and a time to dance.

I mourn the loss of my beloved companion and lay the sorrow of his passing at your feet. I stand with my eyes turned upward as Zeke would do and praise your name. I choose to remember the good and to celebrate the moments of knowing that for 18 months I had the best job ever ... being Zeke's mom!! Amen!!

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS:  I know that there are those who have experienced the tragic death of a dog and vow never to allow themselves to be hurt like that again. I do not believe, even for a moment, that I will never get another. There are too many animals out there in need of homes for me to take what I have always regarded as the self-indulgent road of saying the heartbreak of the loss of the dog was too much to ever want to go through again.  In January we said goodbye to our very ill Scottish Terrier, Sadie, and, now in November to our baby Zeke. ALL THE WONDERFUL TIMES I had with them were worth the pain of grief at the end.

A Dark Day in Time

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

~Psalm 34:18

November 12, 2014
Wednesday

Dear Readers,

This day started out so beautifully. The Fabulous Five and I were busy. I had been getting tubs out of the storm shelter and taking them into the house to decorate for the upcoming holidays. I felt like the Pied Piper ~ the dogren would follow me back and forth thinking we were playing a game. I had treats in my pocket and they were all wondering when mom was going to deliver the goods. I figured it was one way to keep them close.

The troops eat dinner about 4:30p but it got to be closer to 5 and they were starving. Zeke was the first done and was standing on the dishwasher door hovering over his brothers and sisters. They finished eating and I gave them their usual 20 minutes to digest their food then took them outside. They were so excited and scrambling over each other to get out. I was laughing at them and bringing up the rear. Little did I know my life was about to get tragically kicked out from under me.

As quick as a wink, Kennedy and Zeke ran to the fence by Betty's garage and burrowed out. I made a beeline for the gate thinking I could corner them in her backyard. They ran to the edge of her driveway and were looking at me. I opened the side gate and called them. Zip ... Toby was out too and the 3 of them took off, me right after them. From there, things are kind of a blurr ... I remember yelling, "Noooo." A guy in a black pickup was speeding and hit all three dogs. I remember running after him and watching him speed away.

I could only see two dogs, Zeke was close to me and I dropped to the ground and picked him up. He looked at me, whimpered, and his spirit left his small body. Still holding him, I ran to Toby who was laying in the street yelping. I picked him up. A man who was behind the pickup truck stopped and was so angry ~ "That son of a bitch never stopped. What can I do?" I was babbling incoherently. Within minutes, Beverly was calling the vet and took Toby and Zeke from me. I ran home and put the two little girls in the house. I was calling for Kennedy and went into a PTSD attack of wailing like a small child. I couldn't stop...in my mind and heart, I had been violated.

The man and his wife who stopped and my neighbor, Don, said they would look for Kennedy while we took Toby (and Zeke) to the vet. Dr Young, Dr Arnold, and their staff were waiting for us. They had an IV bag ready and were shaving his leg as they whisked him to the back room for xrays and examination. All I could hear was my injured furry kid yelping in pain. Toby's xrays showed no broken bones but he was in deep shock and the vets thought he might have internal bleeding/injuries. I stood there so helpless ~ all I could do was sob. I kept seeing Zeke's little face and was wondering what happened to Kennedy. Dr Young said Toby was one lucky boy and that they would monitor him in the doggie intensive care unit throughout the night. I was torn ~ I wanted to stay but knew I needed to find Kennedy. My mind was fighting to stay focused and I was losing the battle.

Beverly drove me home and I seesawed from sobbing to numbness. I was thinking about how happy I had been today ~ even more joyful than normal. Then, Satan began to have his way with me ... "Aha, you didn't protect the rescues put in your care..." "You, You, YOU!!!" "You didn't deserve these wonderful animals." I put my hands over my ears and reached for my (dead) phone. I plugged it in and waited. I texted my kids then completely broke down unable to speak. Where was Kennedy? It was dark and I wondered if he was injured and hiding. It was so cold outside... I prayed, "Jesus, please bring Kennedy home" and opened the gate.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

~Matthew 5:4

About an hour later, I was trying to talk to my son and I heard a small yap. I hung up and walked to the kitchen door. There he was. There was Kennedy!! He was bloody and limping but there he was!!! I took him inside and cleaned him up. He wasn't going to let me touch his legs but I couldn't see any real gaping wounds. He was going to be fine. I was thanking Jesus like mad for answered prayer.

Michael got home about 11 from work oblivious to what had transpired in these last few hours. He took one look at me and said, "Where's Zeke and Toby? In the house?" (story)  "Ohhhh noooo."  He slumped into the chair. Somehow, the tragedy went from panic and blurr to reality and we were left with our grief of losing our precious magical Maltese baby boy and not knowing what was going to happen to our feisty Yorkie-Poo.

The coldness of an early Winter has catapulted me into a place where I don't want to be. I reached for my computer as I climbed into bed just to simply write down what I was feeling ... no pictures, no fluff, just the rawness of recording what can and did happen in a split second. I remembered when my Pomeranians were stolen (along with my car) years ago and the grief I felt then ... I remembered different times in my life when I felt so totally helpless ... when my baby son was hospitalized, divorce, my oldest daughter deciding to live with her father, going through trauma counseling, my mother's passing, and on and on. Logically, I knew that I would survive because I am a survivor ~ I also knew that I would rely on my faith in Jesus to carry me when I cannot function on my own. 

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

~Psalm 18:2

Zeke arrives in Seidler Dogdom
Photo taken 5/13/2013

The depth of grief is only as horrific as the amount of love bestowed. I loved little Zeke and every day was an adventure. He helped me laugh at times when I didn't feel like laughing. He was my traveling companion who loved all strangers who stopped to oooh and aah over him.

Tonight as I put away my computer, I am fully aware that there will be no little furry fella snuggled up against me during this cold night. I don't know if my little Yorki-Poo will ever come home again. Yes, I whisper, "Why, God, why..."

Miss Dottie

Dear God in Heaven, I sure hope that you are enjoying a romp in the clouds with my little Maltese Zeke ... you know, the one with the tipped halo, the milk chocolate eyes, and the fluffy white wings... I'll bet Sadie was there to welcome him over Rainbow Bridge and the first one to show him the ropes. I know some folks think it's silly to get so attached to pets but as an empty nester, they have filled my life with such joy when I've felt lonely and have given me purpose when I wondered what I was going to do with the rest of my life. It was You who prompted me to adopt 4 rescues! I pray for Toby who is in ICU tonight ~ for his complete recovery emotionally and physically. Amen! I pray for Kennedy that he will recover from the trauma of being hit. Amen! I pray, Father, for all of us going through the grief process knowing that You are with us. I don't know what tomorrow will bring but I do know that in time I will be able to take supernatural comfort in remembering the little magical fella that came into my life in May of 2013. RIP, Zeke!

Father, one more time, I've learned that we are to embrace the love we have for those in our lives and not think there's always going to be a tomorrow. Sometimes there are no tomorrows, no more chances to mend fences, to say, "I love you," or just enjoy the beauty of the day. I pray for my family, friends, and Readers across the globe as they face their own trials and grief. Life isn't fair ... it isn't always beautiful ~ it is what it is ... life.

Amen, in Jesus name, Amen, it is so!!

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest."

~Matthew 11:28

Oh what a beautiful morning!

November 10, 2014
Monday

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of a beautiful day. It's supposed to hit the 80's today then temperatures will start falling. Kind of weird because I have the air conditioner going in the cottage and know that it won't be long and I'll be having a fire in the fireplace all day as well as a little heater going in the bathroom. Here comes Winter!!

I walked through the gardens this morning to assess what plants will weather the cold and which ones will need to be taken indoors. Actually, I am thinking that I might put them in the shed and put a blanket over them. The Pansies are tough little rascals and will do fine. I got some mums at Bonnie's Greenhouse (can't beat 50 cents a plant!) to replace the ones that died last Winter. Will need to get some good mulch to keep them warm so they will over-winter and pop up in the Spring. The big old tree sure has a lot of dead branches ~ praying that they will fall into the yard and NOT on any plants. Thank you Lord!!

Thought I was being careful to keep an eye on my furry kids but wouldn't you know it, Kennedy dug out when my back was turned. I didn't even know he was gone ~ Michael took the trash out and saw him meandering around in the neighbor's yard. Aughhh...gotta love my wandering Pom-Chi. At least Zeke hadn't followed him out. Everyone is safe in the cottage so blow wind blow!!

Sing it Will!

Father God, I missed going to your house on Sunday and worshiping with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I just know that Will and the Open Range Band had everyone tapping their toes and raising their hands in praise. My week just doesn't seem right without heading for the country and feasting on your word via Pastor Rick and Pastor Gerald. I've been playing the Open Range CD and singing along but somehow it's not quite the same. I need my bones and muscles to stop their tantrums and my energy level to raise up so I can pull on my boots and coat next Sunday and soak in the sunshine that the Open Range Cowboy Church offers!! Amen, it is so!!

Pastor Rick steps in for Miss Kitty

Hamilton Elf loves Winter!

Today, is special because it is today ... simple as that. I am making plans for decorating the house for Christmas and writing the third children's book about Hamilton Elf. Don't be surprised if he shows up at the Open Range Church and takes a seat. A couple years ago, he went to Florida but he's never been to Your House.

Lord, I don't know why but Hamilton Elf makes me smile and others smile too. Last year he didn't receive the attention he should have and this year needs to be different!

I was reading in the Bible today ~ Acts 24-26 ~ and, there was a verse that popped out at me. In Acts 24:14-16, Paul was talking about what he believed in: salvation, serving God, the Jewish law, books of prophesy, and the resurrection of both the righteous and ungodly. In verse 16, he stated: "Because of this I try with all my strength to always maintain a clear conscience before God and others." I had this underlined, highlighted, and marked with X's and check marks. Obviously this verse is one I want to remember and live by.

Some years ago now, I went through the 12-Step Program of Alanon then began teaching the steps. As I made amends to those I had hurt and cleaned house in my own self and life, I began to keep my slates clean each and every day. I sleep well at night and there is so much more room in my heart to love and be loved. God, You have been so good to me. You've been with me every step of the way on my life's journey. I've seen You at work in ways that seemed impossible. You give me such comfort!

We are never alone!

Lord, I want to pray for your people today. I want to lift them up with prayers of love knowing that as I do, You are ready to receive them. Hear their cries, comforting them in ways that only You can. Protect my friends and family in the north as they experience their first winter storm. As we all start to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas, help us to remember how important it is to be thankful AND the real reason for the season! Amen, it is so...

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO READERS: Not too long ago I read a quote by Marcel Proust that went something like this ... let us be grateful to the people who make us happy for they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Before I came in from walking my gardens, I looked up into the sky and felt such a joy for the people who brighten my days. Life is good!

Countdown to Thanksgiving - giving thanks!

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest,

cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.

~Genesis 8:22 (ESV)

November 7, 2014
Friday

Dear God,

Thank you for the rain the past couple days. I look out over my gardens and I can literally see plants greening up and flowers becoming more vibrant. There's just something about water from heaven that is special! I know that You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are comfy in your chairs in Heaven watching all that's going on down here but, I'd like to invite you in to chat with me awhile. I love talking with you and, besides that,  I just like feeling your presence. I've lit a nice fire and fixed some cups of steaming hot cocoa ~ with marshmallows, of course!!

Today is a day to appreciate the cycles of nature and my life. The leaves are falling as they have since the beginning of time replenishing the soil, blanketing and warming roots that will grow and be strengthened to provide the beautiful burst of new life we call Spring. I am raking those leaves and using them as mulch for my ever-expanding gardens! I am in awe at the roses in bloom and sweet faces of pansies peeking out from pots placed here and there. Crazy gardener that I am, I talk to my plants and get so excited about those faces!

Everything in nature has it's time ~ just when I think it's over, it starts again. The new owes it's existence to the old. If I ever wondered if You were real, I think about the seasons; the cycle of life, death, and then new life. You breathe life into our surroundings and into my being. My seed has been carried on to my children and grandchildren and they are now spreading their seeds. Ah yes...life is good.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I have grown to love that holiday more and more as I have grown older. I grew up in a family that loved the holidays. My mother and father hosted Thanksgiving every year for many years. Long tables were set up in the basement to accommodate the host of relatives arriving around noon on Thanksgiving Day. My mother made the turkey, dressing, gravy, and potatoes (yams & white). My other aunts would bring the desserts and sides. What a feast! No wonder the men napped after we ate. My mother and aunts would gather in the kitchen cleaning up and getting ready for round 2 at six. My cousins and I would head outside to play and sometimes went bowling. We were excited for another reason ... Christmas was just around the corner!!

Last night I had a Sleep Study done in Waco. My neighbors, Beverly and Don, took me down for my initial interview in the morning. What a blessing in my life these two are. If I need anything, they are there. They have so little yet they give so much. Father, help me to continually share my faith with them that one day they will come to know You as their own personal savior. Amen!

Because I do not do well driving at night, Michael took me back to Waco last night. I was disappointed as I forgot to take my camera to record my appearance as an alien from outer space. I was hooked up a finger thing that recorded my oxygen levels, EEG wires (brain), EKG wires (heart), EMG wires (muscles) ~ plus, had a nasal cannula and a little pipe like gizmo that went into my mouth. After a few initial tests, I was off to sleepyland. Before I knew it, it was 4:40a and the technician was waking me up to do some final tests. Michael was there to pick me up and, pillow and blanket in hand, I headed back home to get the gunk and paste out of my hair. I was thankful that Michael was able to drive me there and pick me up as I hate driving in the dark. He had to be back in Waco this morning at 7 for work so he's going to have a l-o-n-g day. Lucky me, I got to go back to bed for a little while. I am so looking forward to getting results and moving forward to getting a more restful sleep!

Father, I want to pray for my Readers, family, and friends. So many are going through trials of illness, losing loved ones, and the inability to find jobs that support their families. I lift them up in prayer knowing that as I raise holy hands You will gently ease their sorrows, worries, and pain. Wrap them in your arms dear Jesus and hold them tight enough that they would recognize your face. Help us to see the beauty around us and to praise you for our blessings. There is always something to be grateful for and I pray that your people would NEVER GIVE UP. There is a spark of survival that You have put in all of us. Amen! I thank you for coming by today and for sharing my world. There is a quiet peace inside of me that raises up that mustard seed of hope! I love you, Lord!! Amen, it is so...

Miss Dottie

NOTE TO MY READERS:  "Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayer and worn with thanks." ~Thomas Goodwin 

I am so grateful for years and years of friendships ... for those I've cherished since childhood and those that I make each and every day. My heart overflows with love and smiles...

Truly, this is a day of thanksgiving!

Let's take a poll...

Do It Anyway ~ Martina McBride

Many churches of all persuasions are hiring research agencies to poll neighborhoods, asking what kind of church they prefer. Then, the local churches design themselves to fit the desires of the people. True faith in God that demands selflessness is being replaced by trendy religion that serves the selfish. ~Billy Graham

November 4, 2014

Dear Readers,

Today is election day. I haven't voted yet but I have two options: get my neighbor to take me or wait for Michael to get home from work. Either way, I will get there. Voting is my way of having a say. As an Independent it's been quite an ordeal to look at each candidate and make my choice. I am excited and prayerful that good will come at the end of the day!! Don't feel like voting? DO IT ANYWAY!!

I read the above quote by Billy Graham and WHOA! it stopped me dead in my tracks. I've been thinking about it ever since and, I must admit, I felt this deep sense of sadness. Why have churches had to resort to gimmicks and public opinion polls to bring in the fold? Is the truth based on the Word of God not enough? Just because the majority of the people want something doesn't necessarily make it right.

Over my 60+ years, I've visited and been a member of many different churches ~ all of which worship Jesus as the Son of God. Bigger seems to be better these days and, like so many others, I have been drawn to the huge productions, bands, and hype. (By the way, I LOVE the musical productions given at Easter and Christmas!) Our pastors take lessons from voice coaches and learn ways of "selling" Jesus and their particular church to the masses ~ sermons are even posted on line so pastors don't need to write their own. People are saved and the title Christian handed out like getting some sort of emotional diploma of an assurred salvation. Next comes the wooing of the rich for, after all, it takes money to run a big church. Gotta make those folks happy!! Church rosters can become a who's who and churches aren't God's, they are called,  Pastor ______'s church. I'm probably starting to ruffle feathers by now and that's okay.

Miss Dottie speaks from the heart
on some touchy subjects!

I've had many different trains of thought running through my brain this morning and am trying to sort them out ~ forgive me if I ramble. Sometimes I just have to pray and allow the Lord to move my fingers. It seems to work out better that way.

Okay, something heavy has been weighing on my heart so I am taking a poll of my own logic and emotions. I needed to settle my own conscience. Have we begun to rationalize our Christian beliefs? This week, Brittany Maynard chose to end her life rather than face dying a death by a cancer that was progressing rapidly. I've had family and friends die painful deaths so the soft side of me understands not wanting to endure that kind of death. The logic side of me agrees with my soft side so that should be a no brainer on which side I favor, right? We euthanize our pets when they get to the point of being in pain and efforts to extend their lives are exhausted and I'm a pet lover. More ammunition. I've read all the comments from friends and they all make perfect sense. All this being said, I had to ask myself ... "What does the Bible have to say on this?"

A Christian viewpoint takes into account God as the author and finisher of life ~ and the rightful dependence of human beings upon Him. As Christians we are called to be salt and light within our spheres of influence. All this being said, I turned to my Bible to see what God had to say:

First of all, God has appointed a time for all of us to die. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."~Hebrews 9:27 "Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?"~Ecclesiastes 7:17

Secondly death is when the spirit leaves the body which is an act of God. "There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death..."~Ecclesiastes 8:8

Thirdly, euthanasia is the taking of a life before God's time. Physicians are nowhere in Scripture given authority by God to take someone's life. Apart from the government in the case of capital punishment, all other human being are given the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 10:13) and "Thou shalt do no murder" (Matthew 19:18

For me, this was the big one: ASSISTING A SUICIDE IS PUTTING ONESELF IN THE PLACE OF GOD. Taking a spirit from the body is God's job!!!

I want to end my blog today with this poem for a couple of reasons ~ today is election day and we need to be mindful of who we vote for and what platforms they stand on. Another reason is that I want to make my own platform known. "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."~Proverbs 14:12

In America, the terminalists came for the unborn child,

but I didn't speak up because I was no longer an unborn child;

Then they came for the newborn spina bifida child,

but I didn't speak up because I was "normal."

Then they came for the Down's child,

but I didn't speak up because I was too intelligent'

Then they came for the handicapped, but I didn't speak up

because I was uncomfortable with someone appearing less than perfect;

Then they came for infirm seniors,

but I did not speak up because I was healthy and middle-aged;

Then they came for the healthy, "non-productive" retired,

but I did not speak up, but I did begin to wonder;

Then they came for me, but by that time there was no one left to speak up.

~Dachau, 1938

~America 1990's

by Len Beckman

My Readers, my Readers, this is 2014 ~ where is our moral compass today ~ what would you add to the list? I am praying for you as you struggle with your own beliefs and issues. As Pastor Dudley says, "I am telling you what God says; if you have a problem with that, take it up with Him." I believe that with all my heart. Once I accepted Christ as Savior, I became his ~ in life and death. I am His, by birth and by blood ~ I do not live, and I do not die, on my own terms.  

Miss Dottie

Dear God,

Forgive us as a sinful, selfish nation ... people consumed by comfort, materialism, and not wanting to suffer pain in any area of our lives. As our minds begin to erode into what seems to be right, help us to come to You in prayer and soak in your wisdom. Sin always starts with that first step of pleasure and logically thinking, "this is okay." In reality, we should be thinking that we should be obedient to the cross and leave the outcome to you. We have the ten commandments ~what part of thou shalt not kill do we not understand? It's easy to jump on the bandwagon of save the baby whales and every abandoned animal that's been abused. And, by the way, make our lives free of any hindrance to our comfort while we're at it. You say You don't like that Father? I don't either. Clear our minds to the evilness that seems so okay and help us return to what is really important. Our country needs a little shaking up. (Actually, a whole lotta shaking up!) Amen, dear Jesus, it is so!!

PS  A person's dying may not be easy, but what of value in life is? Caring for our loved ones as they die is simply part living beyond self. It is rarely fun, and is often downright hard but it is as important and valuable as any experience in life. My father and mother died quite suddenly leaving such an empty hole in my life. To have had the honor of loving Michael's Mother, Virginia, through her last years gave me such joy. We moved here to be close to her and were able to share her days up until that very last breath ~ yes, I was there.